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Map showing campground location near Wallowa Whitman National Forest, Oregon
Camper submitted image from Ice LakeView 9 Photos
NatureMap showing campground location near Wallowa Whitman National Forest, Oregon

Ice Lake

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SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Free and hike-in only, Ice Lake sits at roughly 8,000 feet in Wallowa National Forest, reached via a paved road to the trailhead and a nine-mile backcountry route into the forest. No fires are allowed. No amenities exist on site, and there is no cell service. Snow can linger into July at this elevation, and the lake water runs extremely cold. Backpackers planning camping near Wallowa National Forest should note that the optional day hike to the Matterhorn adds significant elevation gain. This route is well-suited to experienced backcountry hikers who can manage altitude and multi-day carry-ins.

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Map & DirectionsIce Lake is located in Oregon near Wallowa Whitman National Forest

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

45.22878679 N
117.27015 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Pets

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Ice Lake

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5.0

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2 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 4, 2021

Nine-Mile Hike

The water is no-joke cold. Fantastic nine-mile hike into the forest. Stayed two nights. Elevation is ~8,000 feet. Got altitude sickness on day two.

No fires allowed. No amenities. Back-country hikers only. No cell service. Perfect getaway.

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2020

Can’t say enough, come here

This backpacking trip is a very accessible hike.

The road to get to the trailhead is paved and the hike to Ice lake is 9 miles in (18 miles total)

You can add some miles (and a lot of elevation) if you add a day hike to the Matterhorn. Second tallest to Sacajawea. When I say it takes 3 hours to get up and 30 minutes to get down.. I’m not joking. Unless you’re an ultra runner who can handle high intensity at elevation, this will take some time. Well worth it for the views and ice lake will be waiting for you at the bottom.

Photos are from August 2018 and July 2019... notice the snow in July. Couldn’t do the added day hike that time.

  • Review photo of Ice Lake by Sarah W., August 31, 2020
  • Review photo of Ice Lake by Sarah W., August 31, 2020
  • Review photo of Ice Lake by Sarah W., August 31, 2020
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Showing results 1-2 of 2 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Ice Lake Campground?

Ice Lake is a primitive backcountry camping area with no amenities. There are no facilities, water sources (besides the lake itself, which requires filtration), bathrooms, or trash services. Campfires are not permitted at this high-elevation site. Cell service is unavailable, so plan accordingly for emergency communication. This is truly a self-sufficient camping experience where you must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.

How do I get to Ice Lake Campground in Oregon?

Ice Lake is accessible via a paved road that leads to the trailhead in the Wallowa Mountains. From the trailhead, it's a 9-mile hike (one-way) to reach Ice Lake. The trail is considered relatively accessible for a backcountry destination, though you should be prepared for the distance. Make sure to check current trail conditions before departing and bring appropriate navigation tools as this is a backcountry destination. The hike gains significant elevation, bringing you to approximately 8,000 feet at the lake.

When is the best time to camp at Ice Lake in Oregon?

The best time to camp at Ice Lake is during summer months when the trail is typically clear of snow and temperatures are more moderate at the 8,000-foot elevation. Weather can change rapidly in the Wallowa Mountains, so come prepared for varying conditions regardless of season. Early summer brings wildflowers while late summer offers more stable weather patterns. Be aware that even summer nights can be quite cold at this elevation, and the lake water remains extremely cold year-round.

What activities can I do around Ice Lake in the Wallowa Mountains?

Activities around Ice Lake include hiking, photography, stargazing, and wildlife observation. For ambitious hikers, you can extend your adventure with a day hike to the Matterhorn, the second tallest peak in the area after Sacajawea Peak, though this adds significant elevation gain. Swimming is possible but challenging due to the extremely cold water temperatures. The pristine alpine setting offers exceptional landscape photography opportunities. With no light pollution, nighttime stargazing is remarkable. Bird watching and wildflower identification (seasonal) are also popular activities in this remote wilderness area.

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